NFL free agency is unlike any other. While NBA, MLB and NHL teams often pace themselves and sign free agents throughout the offseason, many NFL teams can't blow through their available salary cap space fast enough. More than 60 players signed on the opening day of free agency and more than $1 billion worth of contracts was handed out. The action continued throughout the first week, gradually slowing down.
There are still plenty of players available, even a big name or two, but the majority of top free agents have come off the board. Before free agency enters the second, or third phase, let's take a look back at what each team did during the first week.
Arizona Cardinals
Re-signed: TE Jake Ballard, LB Marcus Benard, K Jay Feely, DE Frostee Rucker, OLB Matt Shaughnessy, CB Bryan McCann
New arrivals: TE John Carlson, RB Jonathan Dwyer, WR Ted Ginn, OG Ted Larsen, OT Jared Veldheer
Departed: LB Jasper Brinkley, LB Karlos Dansby, TE Jim Dray, LB Dontay Moch, WR Andre Roberts
Potential targets: LB Larry Foote, CB Antonio Cromartie
Cap space: $6.3 million
The Cardinals made their big splash on the first day, agreeing to a long-term deal with Veldheer. He will take over at left tackle, a position that has been a major issue for Arizona for much of the recent past. Arizona lost Andre Roberts, but filled his void with Ted Ginn, who should also play a role on special teams. The Cardinals have been linked to Foote and Cromartie, although no deals appear imminent.
Atlanta Falcons
Re-signed: DT Jonathan Babineaux, C Joe Hawley, OG Mike Johnson, DT Corey Peters
New arrivals: OG Jon Asamoah, DE Tyson Jackson, DT Paul Soliai
Departed: N/A
Potential targets: N/A
Cap space: $10.1 million
Atlanta made all three of its moves on the opening day. Asamoah should start at one of the guard spots while Jackson and Soliai will provide a much-needed boost on the defensive line. The Falcons have been quiet since. They had interest in Trindon Holliday, but he signed with the Giants. None of Atlanta's free agents or released players have signed elsewhere.
Baltimore Ravens
Re-signed: WR Jacoby Jones, SS Jeromy Miles, OT Eugene Monroe, TE Dennis Pitta, LB Daryl Smith
New arrivals: WR Steve Smith
Departed: CB Corey Graham, DE Arthur Jones, LB Jameel McClain, OT Michael Oher
Potential targets: S Ryan Clark,
Cap space: $11.1 million
Baltimore's biggest moves came in re-signings rather than new acquisitions. The Ravens were able to extend Eugene Monroe, Dennis Pitta and Daryl Smith. All three players will play significant roles next season. Baltimore was linked to a few wide receivers, eventually agreeing to a deal with Steve Smith.
Buffalo Bills
Re-signed: K Dan Carpenter, TE Mike Caussin, TE Scott Chandler
New arrivals: RB Anthony Dixon, CB Corey Graham, LB Keith Rivers, LB Brandon Spikes, OG Chris Williams
Departed: S Jairus Byrd
Potential targets: N/A
Cap space: $15.5 million
While the Bills made a few solid moves, the biggest impact is in the player they didn't sign. All-Pro safety Jairus Byrd departed, signing with New Orleans. The Bills are yet to fill that void, but did remake their linebacker corps with the additions of Brandon Spikes and Keith Rivers. Spikes is expected to start in the middle while Rivers and Kiko Alonso will start on the outside.
Carolina Panthers
Re-signed: QB Derek Anderson, DB James Dockery, DE Greg Hardy, LB Jason Williams
New arrivals: S Roman Harper, TE Mike McNeill
Departed: WR Ted Ginn, WR Domenik Hixon, WR Brandon LaFell, S Mike Mitchell, CB Captain Munnerlyn, LB Jordan Senn, WR Steve Smith
Potential targets: WR Jerricho Cotchery, WR Sidney Rice, S Darian Stewart
Cap space: $7.6 million
It's been a mass exodus from Carolina this offseason. The cap-strapped Panthers haven't been able to do much and have lost nearly their entire receiving corps in the process. Steve Smith is now a Raven, Brandon LaFell is a Patriot and Ted Ginn signed with Arizona. The Panthers have chased a few other free agent wide receivers including Hakeem Nicks and James Jones, only to come up empty-handed. They were able to keep Greg Hardy, thanks to the franchise tag.
Chicago Bears
Re-signed: QB Jordan Palmer, DT Jeremiah Ratliff, TE Dante Rosario, CB Charles Tillman, LB D.J. Williams
New arrivals: WR Domenik Hixon, DE Lamarr Houston, S M.D. Jennings, S Ryan Mundy, LB Jordan Senn, DE Willie Young
Departed: QB Josh McCown, DE Julius Peppers
Potential targets: DE Jared Allen
Cap space: $8.5 million
Chicago made its splash early on, signing defensive end Lamarr Houston. The Bears chased after defensive end Michael Bennett before he returned to Seattle, then moved on to Houston. Charles Tillman opted to return after taking a few visits while M.D. Jennings, Ryan Mundy and Willie Young provide solid depth.
Cincinnati Bengals
Re-signed: S Taylor Mays, LB Vincent Rey, WR Brandon Tate
New arrivals: LB Dontay Moch
Departed: OT Anthony Collins, DB Brandon Ghee, DE Michael Johnson
Potential targets: OT Marshall Newhouse, OG Vladimir Ducasse, OG Uche Nwaneri
Cap space: $26.9 million
Cincinnati has been relatively quiet thus far. The Bengals lost a pair of starters with Michael Johnson and Anthony Collins headed out of town. The Bengals signed Vincent Rey to a two-year deal and he could start next season. The Bengals may also lose wide receiver Andrew Hawkins. The restricted free agent signed a deal with the Browns and the Bengals have yet to decide if they will match it.
Cleveland Browns
Re-signed: K Billy Cundiff
New arrivals: LB Karlos Dansby, TE Jim Dray, RB Ben Tate, CB Isaiah Trufant, S Donte Whitner
Departed: OG Oniel Cousins, LB D'Qwell Jackson, OG Shawn Lauvao, S T.J. Ward, QB Brandon Weeden
Potential targets: CB Aaron Berry, WR Andrew Hawkins
Cap space: $33.7 million
The Browns lost T.J. Ward, D'Qwell Jackson and Shawn Lauvao but helped fill the void with Karlos Dansby, Donte Whitner and Ben Tate. Dansby should be an upgrade over Jackson while Whitner could be an upgrade over Ward, even if he is older. Tate should immediately step in as the starting running back. The Browns will also add Andrew Hawkins if the Bengals don't match his restricted free agent offer.
Dallas Cowboys
Re-signed: N/A
New arrivals: DT Terrell McClain, DE Jeremy Mincey, QB Brandon Weeden
Departed: C Phil Costa, DT Jason Hatcher, DE DeMarcus Ware
Potential targets: DT Henry Melton, LB Will Herring, DE Jared Allen
Cap space: $7.2 million
The Cowboys took a significant hit on the defensive line with Jason Hatcher and DeMarcus Ware departing. Ware is a franchise icon, but was released due to salary cap issues and signed with Denver. The Cowboys have been linked to a few players, including Henry Melton and Jared Allen. Melton visited Dallas on Monday.
Denver Broncos
Re-signed: WR Andre Caldwell
New arrivals: WR Emmanuel Sanders, CB Aqib Talib, S T.J. Ward, DE DeMarcus Ware
Departed: G Zane Beadles, WR Eric Decker, DE Jeremy Mincey, CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, LB Wesley Woodyard
Potential targets: C Will Montgomery
Cap space: $11.1 million
Denver was one of the most active teams early on, landing T.J. Ward, Aqib Talib and DeMarcus Ware. Talib replaces Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie while Ward and Ware will boost the defense. Denver lost Eric Decker in free agency, but signed Emmanuel Sanders to add depth.
Detroit Lions
Re-signed: TE Brandon Pettigrew
New arrivals: DE Vaughn Martin, LB Darryl Tapp, WR Golden Tate
Departed: S Louis Delmas, DE Willie Young
Potential targets: QB Luke McCown, S James Ihedigbo
Cap space: $3.9 million
Although the Lions haven't been especially active, they were able to fill the void of No. 2 receiver behind Calvin Johnson. Detroit signed Golden Tate to a five-year deal. While he's never put up prolific numbers, he's been an efficient receiver held back by playing in a run-first offense. Tate's numbers should jump substantially next season.
Green Bay Packers
Re-signed: LB Mike Neal, TE Andrew Quarless, DE B.J. Raji, CB Sam Shields
New arrivals: DT Letroy Guion, DE Julius Peppers
Departed: C Evan Dietrich-Smith, S M.D. Jennings, WR James Jones
Potential targets: C Alex Mack
Cap space: $24 million
Green Bay was able to get Sam Shields re-signed before free agency began and inked B.J. Raji for another season. The big move was signing Julius Peppers, who could be a steal if he can regain the form from earlier in his career. Green Bay has been linked to Cleveland center Alex Mack, but a deal doesn't appear likely.
Houston Texans
Re-signed: TE Garrett Graham
New arrivals: N/A
Departed: LB Bryan Braman, LB Joe Mays, DT Terrell McClain, DT Earl Mitchell, LB Darryl Sharpton, DE Antonio Smith, RB Ben Tate
Potential targets: QB Mark Sanchez
Cap space: $9.4 million
Houston doesn't have a ton of salary cap space to maneuver with, but is yet to put much of it to use. Antonio Smith and Earl Mitchell were key contributors on the defensive line. Ben Tate's departure was expected. Houston has been linked to Mark Sanchez, should he be released.
Indianapolis Colts
Re-signed: RB Ahmad Bradshaw, DB Sergio Brown, CB Vontae Davis, P Pat McAfee, K Adam Vinatieri
New arrivals: C Phil Costa, LB D'Qwell Jackson, DE Arthur Jones, WR Hakeem Nicks
Departed: S Antoine Bethea, RB Donald Brown, LB Kavell Conner, OG Jeffrey Linkenbach
Potential targets: C Alex Mack
Cap space: $17.8 million
The Colts were once again aggressive in free agency, handing out big contracts to Vontae Davis, Arthur Jones and D'Qwell Jackson. Their best move may have been signing Hakeem Nicks, who comes in on a one-year deal and should give Andrew Luck another weapon. If Nicks is healthy, that could prove to be one of the best signings of the offseason. The Colts showed interest in Mack, but that doesn't appear likely to happen now that they've signed Costa.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Re-signed: DE Jason Babin, CB Will Blackmon, OT Cameron Bradfield, TE Clay Harbor, QB Chad Henne, OT Sam Young
New arrivals: OG Zane Beadles, DE Red Bryant, DE Chris Clemons, RB Toby Gerhart, DE Ziggy Hood, LB Dekoda Watson
Departed: WR Taylor Price
Potential targets: N/A
Cap space: $25.2 million
Jacksonville had an extremely productive first week of free agency, possibly adding five starters. Zane Beadles will help the offensive line while Red Bryant, Chris Clemons and Ziggy Hood will be a major boost on the defensive line. Toby Gerhart could take over as the primary running back. Hard to argue Jacksonville hasn't gotten better thus far.
Kansas City Chiefs
Re-signed: S Husain Abdullah, LB Frank Zombo
New arrivals: OG Jeffrey Linkenbach, LB Joe Mays, DT Vance Walker
Departed: OT Branden Albert, G Jon Asamoah, S Quintin Demps, DE Tyson Jackson, WR Dexter McCluster, OG Geoff Schwartz
Potential targets: OT J'Marcus Webb, WR Joe Morgan
Cap space: $5.2 million
The Chiefs lost a ton of talent early in free agency and have yet to do much to replace it. The departing players combined to play more than 3,000 snaps last season. Vance Walker is a solid addition on the defensive line, but Kansas City has work left to do.
Miami Dolphins
Re-signed: CB Brent Grimes, DT Randy Starks
New arrivals: OT Branden Albert, S Louis Delmas, CB Cortland Finnegan, DT Earl Mitchell, OG Shelley Smith
Departed: CB Nolan Carroll, DE Vaughn Martin, DT Paul Soliai
Potential targets: OG Wade Smith, OT Ryan Harris, WR Devin Hester
Cap space: $19.1 million
Miami finally got its man, agreeing to a long-term deal with Branden Albert early in free agency. The Dolphins pursued Albert heavily last year, but were unable to come to terms with the Chiefs on a trade. Delmas, Finnegan, Mitchell and Smith could all start for the Dolphins next season. Miami also did well to lock in Brent Grimes before free agency began.
Minnesota Vikings
Re-signed: OG Joe Berger, QB Matt Cassel, LB Larry Dean, DE Everson Griffen, OG Charlie Johnson, WR Jerome Simpson
New arrivals: LB Jasper Brinkley, CB Derek Cox, DT Linval Joseph, CB Captain Munnerlyn
Departed: TE John Carlson, CB Chris Cook, RB Toby Gerhart, DT Letroy Guion
Potential targets: OG Travelle Wharton
Cap space: $18.9 million
The Vikings haven't added any major pieces, but have done solid work in free agency. Retaining Everson Griffen was a key move as he's one of the rising stars at defensive end. Captain Munnerlyn and Derek Cox will solidify the secondary while Joseph is a very solid addition on the defensive line.
New England Patriots
Re-signed: WR Julian Edelman, TE Michael Hoomanawanui
New arrivals: CB Brandon Browner, WR Brandon LaFell, CB Darrelle Revis
Departed: LB Dane Fletcher, LB Brandon Spikes, CB Aqib Talib
Potential targets: WR Kenny Britt
Cap space: $16.9 million
New England pulled off one of the biggest moves of free agency, signing Darrelle Revis to a one-year deal. The Patriots also added Brandon Browner, giving them a new-look cornerback duo. Brandon LaFell should add some wide receiver depth while New England was also able to retain Julian Edelman despite other suitors.
New Orleans Saints
Re-signed: LB Ramon Humber, OT Zach Strief
New arrivals: S Jairus Byrd
Departed: S Roman Harper, S Malcolm Jenkins
Potential targets: WR Sidney Rice, FB Erik Lorig
Cap space: $2.4 million
New Orleans scrambled to get under the salary cap and had very little room to work with, so what did the team do? Well, of course it went out and nabbed arguably the No. 1 free agent available. The Saints gave Jairus Byrd a massive contract and while that may be an issue down the road, Byrd will join Kenny Vaccaro to form one of the best safety duos in the NFL. New Orleans also kept Zach Strief, a solid starter at right tackle.
New York Giants
Re-signed: LB Jon Beason, S Stevie Brown, K Josh Brown, RB Peyton Hillis, FB Henry Hynoski, CB Trumaine McBride, QB Curtis Painter
New arrivals: S Quintin Demps, RB Rashad Jennings, LB Jameel McClain, CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, OG Geoff Schwartz, LB O'Brien Schofield, CB Walter Thurmond, C J.D. Walton, KR Trindon Holliday
Departed: OG Kevin Boothe, DT Linval Joseph, S Ryan Mundy, TE Brandon Myers, WR Hakeem Nicks, LB Keith Rivers, DE Justin Tuck
Potential targets: DE Anthony Spencer, WR Mario Manningham
Cap space: $6.7 million
New York has been busy and made its biggest move on Monday, signing Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to a $39 million deal. DRC will combine with newly signed Walter Thurmond to give the Giants a new look in the secondary. New York took a couple of hits, with Hakeem Nicks, Justin Tuck and Linval Joseph leaving. The Giants didn't make much of an effort to re-sign Nicks.
New York Jets
Re-signed: DT Leger Douzable, K Nick Folk, LB Calvin Pace
New arrivals: WR Eric Decker, OT Breno Giacomini
Departed: OT Austin Howard, DB Isaiah Trufant
Potential targets: S Ryan Clark, WR Sidney Rice, QB Michael Vick
Cap space: $27.8 million
The Jets have plenty of cap space to work with, but haven't been overly aggressive yet. They've been patient, inking a deal with Eric Decker, but missing out on a few targets. They've been after cornerbacks but Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie opted to sign with the Giants. Re-signing Antonio Cromartie could be an option.
Oakland Raiders
Re-signed: OT Khalif Barnes, RB Darren McFadden, S Usama Young
New arrivals: CB Tarell Brown, OT Austin Howard, WR James Jones, DE Antonio Smith, DE Justin Tuck, LB LaMarr Woodley, OG Kevin Boothe
Departed: DE Lamarr Houston, RB Rashad Jennings, CB Tracy Porter, OT Jared Veldheer, DT Vance Walker
Potential targets: QB Matt Schaub, LB Robert Jackson, QB Michael Vick
Cap space: $41.1 million
Oakland opened free agency with more cap space than anyone. The Raiders have put some of it to good use, but instead have garnered more attention for the money they didn't spend. They allowed starting left tackle Jared Veldheer to walk and then struck a deal with Rodger Saffold, only to have it fall apart due to injury concerns. Even with a question at left tackle, the Raiders acquired a lot of talent on defense thus far.
Philadelphia Eagles
Re-signed: P Donnie Jones, WR Jeremy Maclin, WR Riley Cooper
New arrivals: LB Bryan Braman, CB Nolan Carroll, S Malcolm Jenkins, S Chris Maragos
Departed: DT Clifton Geathers
Potential targets: N/A
Cap space: $17.2 million
Philadelphia hasn't been a major player, but added to the secondary with Malcolm Jenkins and Nolan Carroll while not losing much. Re-signing Jeremy Maclin was an excellent move. The Eagles still have money to spend and could be a player in the second wave of free agency.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Re-signed: S Will Allen, C Cody Wallace, LS Greg Warren, OG Guy Whimper, LB Jason Worilds
New arrivals: S Mike Mitchell, DT Cam Thomas
Departed: RB Jonathan Dwyer, DE Ziggy Hood, TE David Johnson, WR Emmanuel Sanders, LB LaMarr Woodley, DT Al Woods
Potential targets: WR Lance Moore, DE Alex Carrington
Cap space: $2.3 million
Pittsburgh struggled to get under the salary cap and lost LaMarr Woodley as a result. Mike Mitchell should be an upgrade in the secondary over Ryan Clark. The Steelers aren't likely to be major players the rest of the way and will instead fill holes in free agency.
San Diego Chargers
Re-signed: WR Seyi Ajirotutu, LB Donald Butler, CB Richard Marshall, OG Chad Rinehart, DB Darrell Stuckey, LB Reggie Walker
New arrivals: RB Donald Brown, QB Kellen Clemens, LB Kavell Conner, DB Brandon Ghee, TE David Johnson
Departed: CB Derek Cox, DT Cam Thomas, QB Charlie Whitehurst
Potential targets: N/A
Cap space: $4.9 million
The key to this free agency period for the Chargers was re-signing Donald Butler. They did that early in the offseason and have successfully added some other secondary pieces in the last week. Donald Brown could prove to be a very solid addition at running back.
San Francisco 49ers
Re-signed: WR Anquan Boldin, K Phil Dawson, CB Eric Wright
New arrivals: S Antoine Bethea, CB Chris Cook
Departed: CB Tarell Brown, RB Anthony Dixon, S Donte Whitner
Potential targets: N/A
Cap space: $3.7 million
The 49ers reportedly have interest in re-signing a couple of their own free agents, including Kassim Osgood and Jonathan Goodwin, but salary cap space is an issue. Instead, the 49ers will likely make small moves, if any, the rest of the way. Replacing Whitner with Bethea could work out in San Francisco's favor.
Seattle Seahawks
Re-signed: DE Michael Bennett, K Steven Hauschka, TE Anthony McCoy, DT Tony McDaniel
New arrivals: WR Taylor Price
Departed: CB Brandon Browner, DE Red Bryant, DE Chris Clemons, OT Breno Giacomini, S Chris Maragos, WR Golden Tate, CB Walter Thurmond
Potential targets: WR Kenny Britt, DT Henry Melton, DE Jared Allen, TE Jermichael Finley
Cap space: $13.4 million
The world champs have yet to make any waves, instead watching other teams gobble up their free agents. Seattle has tested the market on a lot of players, but is yet to come away with any prize signings. Re-signing Michael Bennett was a very good move while Tony McDaniel adds good depth to the defensive line. Seattle has a history of waiting for the big contracts to wash up before making its move.
St. Louis Rams
Re-signed: LB Jo-Lonn Dunbar, OL Rodger Saffold
New arrivals: N/A
Departed: QB Kellen Clemens, CB Cortland Finnegan, TE Mike McNeill, OG Shelley Smith, OG Chris Williams
Potential targets: WR Kenny Britt, DE Alex Carrington, QB Shaun Hill, OG Davin Joseph, OG Daryn Colledge
Cap space: $12.5 million
St. Louis is yet to bring in anyone new, but was able to re-sign Rodger Saffold after his deal with the Raiders fell through. The Rams have hosted several players and have the salary cap space to be a player during the second and third waves of free agency. Kenny Britt visited and reportedly passed his physical.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Re-signed: LB Jonathan Casillas, OG Jamon Meredith
New arrivals: OT Anthony Collins, OG Oniel Cousins, C Evan Dietrich-Smith, LB Dane Fletcher, DE Michael Johnson, QB Josh McCown, DT Clinton McDonald, TE Brandon Myers, CB Alterraun Verner
Departed: LB Adam Hayward, OG Ted Larsen, CB Darrelle Revis, LB Dekoda Watson
Potential targets: N/A
Cap space: $26.6 million
Tampa Bay was very active early on, landing Michael Johnson and Alterraun Verner, two of the biggest free agent prizes. Verner's deal was incredibly economical compared to the deals signed by other cornerbacks. The Bucs also landed solid players like Anthony Collins, Evan Dietrich-Smith and Clinton McDonald. Losing Darrelle Revis a year after trading for him stings, but the Bucs did do well to lessen the blow.
Tennessee Titans
Re-signed: RB Jackie Battle, S Bernard Pollard, RB Leon Washington
New arrivals: WR Dexter McCluster, OT Michael Oher, QB Charlie Whitehurst, DT Al Woods, LB Wesley Woodyard
Departed: CB Alterraun Verner
Potential targets: N/A
Cap space: $12.1 million
It's been a head-scratching offseason for the Titans. They lost Verner, arguably the No. 1 corner on the market, to a very reasonable deal. They then overpaid for Michael Oher, Dexter McCluster and Charlie Whitehurst. Tennessee should have an excellent return game with Leon Washington on kick return and McCluster returning punts.
Washington Redskins
Re-signed: WR Santana Moss, LB Brian Orakpo, LB Perry Riley, S Brandon Meriweather
New arrivals: DT Clifton Geathers, DT Jason Hatcher, LB Adam Hayward, OG Shawn Lauvao, CB Tracy Porter, WR Andre Roberts, LB Darryl Sharpton
Departed: LB Darryl Tapp, C J.D. Walton
Potential targets: WR Kenny Britt, S Ryan Clark
Cap space: $8.8 million
The Redskins didn't make a huge splash, but they did get better. Jason Hatcher was the biggest acquisition as he should boost the defensive line. Shawn Lauvao is a solid pickup at guard while Andre Roberts could be a breakout candidate at wide receiver. A series of very solid and cost-effective moves. A rare thing for the Redskins.